Along for the ride

I'm about to head out for another class with my friend Kavita (the last one being the kickboxing class where I might have killed a puppy when asked). This time it's Bikram yoga, also known as 'hot' yoga.

Now, I've been practicing yoga off-and-on for ten years, and I can tell you a few things:
- I'm no more flexible now than when I started
- I get 'it' about the focus and the breathing, but I still struggle with 'it' every time
- I still love yoga because I truly come away from each session feeling refreshed in mind and body

No joke. That same feeling you have when you've been away for a long weekend and have temporarily forgotten your worries - that's what I have after yoga. It's a lot easier on the wallet and waistline, too. I can switch it up and do any number of videos or classes to get different types of challenges. I can do it outside on my patio, in my family room, or in a class full of happy acquaintances. Unlike with running, I never think at the beginning of a 90-minute practice that I can't wait to just be done already.

But of course, that is all thanks to regular yoga. Hot yoga is a different matter. The same 26 poses everywhere no matter the studio or teacher. Temperature in the studio must be 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with 40% humidity. You are encouraged to simply make it through the class without passing out/having to leave the room. Heh-heh. Yeah.

This is so Kavita. She is the most type A person I have ever met. If she's going to run, she's going to do a marathon. If she's running the NYC marathon (as she did this past weekend), she is using it as a training run for Boston. If she's taking a class at the gym, she's going to find the toughest instructor. If she's doing yoga, then goddamn it, it's going to be Bikram.

I have no idea why Kavita is drawn to me, or ropes me into her adventures, but I'm somewhat flattered, I have to say. I tend to be the most reserved and cautious person in the room. Maybe she is fooled by my loquacious and busy tendencies. Maybe she heard rumors that I am a better athlete than I am. In any event, I am happy to be along for the ride. I just hope I don't pass out today...

Updated: I did not pass out, but felt like it at several points. I'm going to try it one more time next week to give Bikram a 'fair shake'. Phew! I need some water...